FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Smoke filled the air as first sergeants threw beef patties on the grill in preparation for the 2nd Annual Dorm Barbecue May 4 in the grassy knoll centered between the dormitories. 

This is the second year that Fairchild's first sergeants have teamed up to put this event together for the Airmen who live on base in the dormitories. This was an opportunity for those Airmen to get out of their dorms and meet their neighbors.

"We did this last year and it was a huge success," said Master Sgt. Todd Edgell, 92nd Medical Group first sergeant.

Airmen lined up with plates in hand, waiting for one of the first sergeants manning the grills to serve up a juicy hamburger. The barbecue was full of fun, food, music and friendly competition for residents of the dormitories. A number of the dorm dwellers took advantage of the opportunity to socialize with one another.

"I like that the first sergeants are looking out for us in the dorms," said Airman Kevin Dayton, 92nd Communications Squadron, a dorm resident who participated in the camaraderie at the barbecue.

After some of the Airmen munched down their late lunch they participated in a little recreation, sending footballs, soccer balls, volleyballs and hacky-sacks flying.

"I think this is a great thing to get people together. It's good to spend some quality time with each other," said Master Sgt. Calvin Wilson, 92nd Operations Group first sergeant. "We wanted to provide food, fun and mentorship to the dorm residents and allow them to see us in a different light."